Our district works to meet the individual needs of students by offering the full continuum of services outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) and the Ohio Department of Education. Each building offers individualized instruction and supports through inclusion, resource room classes, psychological services, and related services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

IDEA has established a process for determining your child's educational needs, completing an evaluation to determine special education eligibility, and creating a plan to set goals for your child's learning.

Northwestern Local Schools is committed to the location and identification of children from birth through age 21 in need of Early Intervention, preschool special education, or school-age services. If a disability is suspected, a referral can be made for an evaluation to determine special education eligibility. If you would like more information regarding the child find process, please contact Chrissy Miller at 964-1318. More information can be found regarding the evaluation progress and special education services in Whose IDEA Is This?

Students placed in foster care within the district who qualify for special education services are required by the Ohio Department of Education to be assigned surrogate parents. A surrogate parent is an individual who is appointed to act in place of a parent to make educational decisions for the child. Surrogate parents play an integral role in a child’s education, and their time volunteering in this role is valued. Training is offered online for individuals interested in serving as surrogate parents. Please contact Chrissy Miller for more information.